Dunsmuir

I will admit that this review may be biased due to an unparalleled admiration for Clutch frontman and overall lyrical genius Neil Fallon, but even with my starry eyes, I felt that I could write up a fair review.

For those who were unaware, each song on this album relays a different point of view from crewmen stranded on an island by an unfortunate shipwreck. Some points of view are more easily discernible than others, but its quite a unique method to piece an album together, giving it a concept album feel without the necessity of having a straightforward order to the songs.

Musically, this is no prog rock pinnacle, nor hard hitting gut-puncher in any sense. It is instead a very back-to-the-basics rock and roll album, focusing more on simple riffs and a rock-solid rhythm foundation to grab the listener. There is a notable lack of flairs from the bass and guitar, but that winds up giving the drums more room to shine. Vinny Appice not only lays down a mean, straightforward rhythm, but gives us many memorable flourishes throughout the album.

Lyrically, it sounds like a less-emotional version of doom metal. Due both in part by Neil's signature gravel-road feeling voice and his incredibly lyrical ability, the album paints an entire story with each song. His ability to put listeners into whatever perspective the song needs is not amiss on this album. The last song (Crawling Chaos!) is a song written almost like a list, naming off countless mythical gods and figures inter-wound with the obligatory Lovecraft reference.

While the whole album is an incredibly sound and well-composed work of music, there are highlights to be had: 'What Manner Of Bliss' is a moody and melodic song that always seems to grip me harder with each listen. The riff change around the minute-thirty mark in 'Our Only Master' is filthily good, and there are countless small lines and vocal nuances that you'll have to listen to yourself. Trust me, it's worth it.

All that being said, no album is perfect. The Lovecraft references are almost too abundant, and the album can sound repetitive if you're only using it as background music. But these are small nits to pick over what is a truly underrated album.